Nitto NT05 Max Performance Summer Tire
Get sharp steering feel and confident dry-road traction from the Nitto NT05 tire. Built for performance coupes, sedans, and modern muscle cars, it emphasizes precision and stability when you push. A rigid tread with a solid center rib keeps the contact patch planted under braking, and large outer shoulder blocks back up confident cornering. With a summer-only compound that comes alive when warm, the NT05 delivers consistent grip and feedback for spirited street driving and occasional track days.
Key Features & Technology
The NT05 prioritizes mechanical grip and precise steering. A solid center rib steadies the contact patch for better on-center feel and quicker transitions, while large reinforced outer shoulders resist squirm in hard corners. Two wide circumferential grooves move water at speed, and lateral notches support braking stability. A summer-focused compound works best in warm temps, and a tuned casing with stiff sidewalls sharpens feedback by limiting flex.
On‑Road and Track Performance
In warm, dry conditions, the NT05 delivers quick steering and a planted feel expected of a max-performance summer tire. Turn-in is crisp, mid-corner stability is calm, and braking stays linear thanks to the rigid tread. For autocross or light track duty, it offers consistent grip across a broad heat window when pressures are set correctly. Wet traction is moderate and depends on tread depth and speed, so slow down in heavy rain. Let the tire come up to temperature and check pressures between sessions for best results.
Driving Conditions: Wet, Dry, and Cold
The NT05 excels in warm, dry weather and remains manageable in light to moderate rain when you drive with care. Wide grooves help move water, but siping is limited and hydroplaning resistance falls as the tread wears, so back off the pace in standing water. Like any summer tire, the compound hardens in the cold and grip drops as temperatures fall. Avoid use near freezing, around 45 F or 7 C and below, and never drive in snow or ice. For colder months, switch to an all-season or winter set and store the NT05 in a cool, dry place.
Sizes & Fitment Guide
Shoppers often look at 275/35R18 and 275/40R17 for square or staggered setups. With the right wheel width and offset, these sizes fit many modern muscle cars and track-prepped sedans. Use them as a starting point, then confirm against your OE placard, wheel specs, and intended use. Not sure? Share your year, make, model, wheel size, and suspension details with our fitment team for an exact recommendation.
Pricing & How to Buy
NT05 pricing varies by size, speed rating, and availability. Larger diameters and wider sections usually cost more, and frequent track use can shorten replacement intervals. Check today's price for your exact size and choose delivery or tire shop installation at checkout, and if you need help with sizing or fitment, our specialists can match you quickly. To get the most value, schedule an alignment before install, rotate on time, and maintain proper pressures to extend tread life.
NT05 vs NT05R (Drag Radial)
The NT05 balances sharp street manners with occasional track use, delivering responsive steering, braking, and cornering. The NT05R is a drag radial focused on straight-line launches, so wet grip, cold performance, and tread life are significant tradeoffs for daily driving. If you want faster lap times and sustained lapping capability, the NT01 is the more track-centric option with fewer street compromises in mind. Split your time between daily use, weekend canyon runs, and a few events per season, and the NT05 is the most livable choice.
